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The man behind the Ashes’ biggest controversy makes stunning admission after Boxing Day Test farce
The MCG’s head curator has confessed that he and his crew got it badly wrong and admitted he was in a ‘state of shock’ as the Boxing Day Test lasted just two days thanks to the pitch he prepared.
In an extraordinarily unusual move for a curator, Matt Page fronted the media on Sunday morning as fingers were pointed over the farcical scenes in Melbourne, where his decision to leave extra grass on the pitch robbed fans of three days’ play and left Cricket Australia up to $10million out of pocket.
‘I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened and 20 wickets in a day, I’ve never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully will never be involved in a Test match like it again,’ Page said.
‘It was a roller-coaster ride for two days to see everything unfold.’
Page defended the decision to leave 10mm of grass on the wicket instead of the 7mm for last year’s Boxing Day Test against India, which went the full five days.
‘This year we went in with 10mm as we knew we were going to get a lot of hot weather at the back end of the game,’ he said.
MCG head curator Matt Page (pictured) fronted the media on Sunday to confess he and his crew got the Boxing Day Test pitch badly wrong
Pictured: England stars Harry Brook (left) and Jamie Smith celebrate winning the Test at the MCG, which lasted just two days and cost Cricket Australia as much as $10million
‘We’re really conscious of flat pitches, we don’t want to go back to what we had in 2017 [when it favoured batters far too much]. Our grass is vitally important to what we do.’
Despite the outcry over the failed deck, an ‘obviously disappointed’ Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox threw his support behind Page.
‘Matt and his team have done it before and he’s produced some good pitches, so I’ve got all the faith in the world in Matt and his team,’ Fox said on Sunday morning.
After the second two-day Test of the summer, Australia players will return to the MCG to sign autographs for fans who were instead hoping to watch them play out in the middle.
Cricket Australia is bracing for a monster financial loss after England won the Boxing Day Test inside two days, only a month after the Ashes opener in Perth also ended with three days to spare.
It is the first time the same series has had multiple two-day Tests in 129 years.
Millions of dollars in refunds will be handed to patrons who had purchased tickets for day three, which had virtually been sold out.
Speaking before the match, Page was hoping to replicate the surface for the epic 2024 Test against India that ended in the final session on day five.
But instead the pitch became a fast bowler’s dream, as neither team bothered with one over from a spinner.
This pitch was treacherous to bat on for both sides, prompting criticism even from fast-bowling greats such as Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, and former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox (pictured third from left) threw his support behind Page despite the farce
Page (left) is pictured examining the failed deck with a match official on the second – and last – day of play in the Test
‘Maybe if you took it from 10 to eight mm (of grass), it would have been a nice, challenging wicket, but maybe a little bit more even,’ stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith said.
‘But groundsmen are always learning and they’ll probably take something from that.’
England captain Ben Stokes, even after securing his country’s first Test win in Australia for 15 years, slammed the state of the pitch for being too heavily in favour of bowlers.
‘Being brutally honest, that’s not really what you want,’ Stokes said.
‘Boxing Day Test match, you don’t want a game finishing in less than two days. Not ideal.’
Nobody from either side managed to reach 50, with Travis Head’s second-innings 46 the top score.
It was the first Test in Australia where a batter has not posted a fifty since 1932.
Both teams thought so little of the pitch they decided the best way to bat was to attack rather than wait for an unplayable delivery.
Smith praised the batting of England blaster Harry Brook, who regularly charged down the pitch and looked to play outrageously aggressive shots.
Brook followed up a first-innings 41 with an unbeaten 18 in the successful run chase.
‘Running down the wicket, playing some kind of rogue shots and trying to get the bowlers off their lengths that way,’ Smith said of Brook.
‘Whether we could have been a bit more proactive potentially, and played a few more of those, that’s something we’ll talk about.
‘It’s also a tricky one to do that, you want to try and dig in for your team.’
The rapid-fire Boxing Day Test comes eight years after the MCG pitch came under criticism and received a ‘poor’ rating when only 24 wickets fell across five days in a dull draw.
Australia and England will enjoy an extra three days to prepare for the fifth and final Test at the SCG, starting on January 4.
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Ndidi Questions Ref’s Decision To Award Penalty Against S/Eagles

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has questioned the centre referee’s decision to award a penalty against his side in their hard-fought 3-2 win against Tunisia in their AFCON 2025 Group C clash on Saturday.
With the Super Eagles 3-1 up, Tunisia were awarded a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel was penalised for handling the ball inside the 18-yard box while trying to head a cross.

The referee had initially waved play on but was adviced by the VAR team to have a second look at the incident and eventually gave the spot kick.
The penalty was well despatched by Ali Abdi who sent Stanley Nwabali the wrong way with a left foot strike which ended in the roof of the net.
However, every effort to draw level by the Carthage Eagles proved futile as the Super Eagles held on to secure a 3-2 win.
Reflecting on the decision, Ndidi posited that it was a wrong call by the referee.
“I was surprise about the penalty decision,” Ndidi told journalists after the match. “I’m 100 percent sure that was not a penalty because both players went for the ball and his (Osayi-Samuel) hand was in a natural position, I was shocked he went to the VAR.”
Ndidi opened his goals account for the Super Eagles with a superb header from Ademola Lookman’s corner to put the Super Eagles 2-0 ahead.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: How Super Eagles Rated In Thrilling Win Over Tunisia
When asked on how he felt getting on the score sheet for the Super Eagles, the Besiktas star described it as amazing.
“It was amazing, trying to feel this way is a proud moment for me, it’s been a long time coming I got the goal but the most important thing is getting the win so I’m really proud of it.”
On his partnership with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in the team’s midfield, he added:”Every day we try to improve from one game to the next, it’s all about improvement, we have the qualities in the team, it’s not just about who is starting because we are all in this together.”
The victory against Tunisia means the Super Eagles have booked their place in the round of 16 and will now face Uganda in their final group fixture.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf in Fes, Morocco
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AFCON 2025: ‘I Was Tensed’ –Omerou Reacts To Super Eagles’ Victory Vs Tunisia
Nigerian international Kenneth Omerou has disclosed that he was tense after Tunisia almost pulled a comeback against the Super Eagles in Saturday’s Group C game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria appeared to have complete control after Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Ndidi, and the excellent Ademola Lookman gave the team a 3-0 lead. However, […]
The post AFCON 2025: ‘I Was Tensed’ –Omerou Reacts To Super Eagles’ Victory Vs Tunisia appeared first on Complete Sports.
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Maya Jama cheers on boyfriend Ruben Dias in the Man City away end at Nottingham Forest just days after celebrating Christmas with footballer
Maya Jama was in the Manchester City away end to watch boyfriend Ruben Dias on Saturday afternoon.
The Love Island presenter, 31, cheered on the Portuguese defender, 28, as City claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Jama shared updates with her 3.2 million Instagram followers, writing: ‘Was a whole different experience being in the crowd at an away game.’
She also posted a snap of the City players, including Dias, coming over to their travelling supporters at the end of the game to applaud them.
Dias played the full game and Pep Guardiola’s side found a winner through Rayan Cherki seven minutes from time at the City Ground.
Tijjani Reijnders had opened the scoring for City before they were pegged back through Omari Hutchinson but it was Cherki who had the last word.
Maya Jama shared this image on her Instagram story after watching boyfriend Ruben Dias
The Love Island presenter appeared to enjoy the experience at the City Ground
Jama and Dias recently marked their second Christmas together with loved-up photos
Jama appeared to enjoy the novelty of a raucous atmosphere in the away end as she cheered on Dias.
The couple spent their second Christmas together on Thursday and have been dating for more than a year. She posed for a glamorous Instagram photo on Christmas Day.
Days before Christmas, the pair flew to Paris on a huge private jet and enjoyed a day at Disneyland Paris before heading to the Eiffel Tower.
She captioned her post: ‘A very merry Christmas ❤️ Sending you all love.’
They are said to be eyeing up a £4million Omaze prize-draw mansion in Cheshire.
The couple were spotted viewing the ultra-modern property in Alderley Edge, originally won by mother Emily Ward with a £25 ticket.
The stunning 6,300 sq ft four-bedroom home boasts panoramic views, landscaped gardens and a luxury indoor leisure suite.
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s the third time Ruben and Maya have looked at the property. They spent about two hours there on Wednesday. It’s quite a long time to spend on a viewing, but the house is very captivating.
Jama, 30, shared this snap on Christmas Day and is looking at buying a house with Dias
‘Ruben arrived in his Lamborghini and Maya came separately in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes.’
The insider added that the couple looked ‘deep in thought’ as they left together.
The mansion is reportedly available to rent for around £20,000 a month, but is also on the market for sale.
According to the source, the couple are ‘very happy together’ and are keen to find a place they can call home.
The couple are believed to have met after the TV presenter caught the Portuguese player’s eye when they met at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November last year.
Their romance was finally confirmed at a Baller League event in April.
Dias recently opened up about his relationship with Maya for the first time.
When asked if he is concerned about the publicity surrounding their relationship, Ruben told The Telegraph: ‘No, I think that’s the last thing you think about.
‘We are just both aware of it, and there’s no way around it.
‘But at the end of the day, you don’t make it about it. You make it about everything else, and then that’s an extra you have to deal with and, obviously, be smart with it.’
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Maya Jama cheers on boyfriend Ruben Dias in the Man City away end at Nottingham Forest just days after celebrating Christmas with footballer
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Super Eagles Of Nigeria Vs Tunisia Starting Eleven
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia face off tonight in a decisive Group C clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with both sides chasing control of a tightly balanced group after winning their opening matches.
The Super Eagles come into the fixture following a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday. Semi Ajayi powered home a first-half header before Ademola Lookman added a second after the break. While Nigeria claimed maximum points, the scoreline failed to reflect their dominance, as several clear chances went begging.
Tunisia also enjoyed a winning start, brushing aside Uganda 3-1 in Rabat. Ellyes Skhiri set the tone with an early header before winger Elias Achouri struck twice to complete a confident display. That result already surpasses Tunisia’s points return from the previous tournament, where they exited at the group stage.
After the first round of games, Tunisia lead Group C on goal difference with three points, level with Nigeria. Tanzania sit third, while Uganda remain bottom, both without a point. With the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, tonight’s encounter could prove decisive.
Nigeria starting eleven (4-1-2-1-2)
Stanley Nwabali (GK); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi; Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams.
Nigeria substitutes: Francis Uzoho, Zaidu Sanusi, Olisa Ndah Igoh, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Moses Simon, Adebayo Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Paul Onuachu, Chidozie Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Elijah Akinsanmiro, Rofiat Alebiosu, T. N.
Tunisia starting eleven (4-3-3)
Aymen Dahmen (GK); Dylan Bronn, Youssef Valery, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi; Ellyes Skhiri, Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane; Elias Achouri, Hannibal Mejbri, Hamza Mastouri.
Tunisia substitutes: N. Farhati, Yassine Meriah, E. Saad, I. Gharbi, Ali Maâloul, Mohamed Ben Ali, H. Mahmoud, F. Chaouat, M. Ben Ouanes, B. Ben Said, Naim Sliti, A. Arous, H. Tka, S. Tounekti, S. Jaziri.
Kick-off is set for 9.00 pm, with Nigeria and Tunisia fully aware that another win would put them firmly on course for the knockout rounds.
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BREAKING: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles thrash Tunisia 3-2 to qualify for Round of 16
Nigeria have qualified for the last 16 of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday night.
The Super Eagles began their tournament with a narrow 2-1 win over Tanzania on Tuesday.
And they came into this game knowing that three points against the Carthage Eagles will put them in control of Group C.
The North Africans had thrashed Uganda 3-0 in their opening fixture and were also keen to qualify.
But Victor Osimhen headed Nigeria into the lead before the break, before goals from Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman put Eric Chelle’s men in firm control.
Tunisia pulled one back through Montassar Talbi, before a late penalty was converted by Ali Al-Abdi.
The result means Nigeria have six points from two matches, while Tunisia remain second with three points.
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Ikpeazu’s Goal Earns Uganda Draw Vs Tanzania

Uche Ikpeazu kept Uganda’s hope of qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations alive after scoring a goal in their 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Saturday.
Ikpeazu, who came on in the 77th minute for Jude Ssemugabi, scored with a brilliant diving header to level parity for Uganda in the 80th minute of the game.
Prior to his goal, Simon Msuva had given Tanzania the lead in the 59th minute when he scored from the spot kick.
Read Also:Super Eagles Midfielder Set For Galatasaray Transfer
However, the Cranes had the opportunity to pick up the maximum three points, but talisman Allan Okello put his spot kick over the crossbar.
Shortly after, the Taifa Stars had an excellent chance after an unconvincing moment from Onyango but the resulting shot went just wide to complete a dramatic final stretch.
Now both teams must win their final Group C matches to have any chance of advancing to the Round of 16. The Cranes will face Nigeria while Tanzania clash with Tunisia in must-win clashes.
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NFF To Award Super Eagles Of Nigeria $5,000 Per Goal At AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will earn a cash reward of $5,000 for every goal scored at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The incentive, first reported by ScoreNigeria, is part of a broader motivation package rolled out by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sports. A similar approach was adopted during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying campaign.
Eric Chelle’s side already benefited from the policy earlier this week, pocketing $10,000 following their 2-1 opening win over Tanzania. That victory has put the Super Eagles in a strong position ahead of Saturday night’s Group C showdown against Tunisia.
The highly anticipated encounter against the Carthage Eagles will kick off at 9pm Nigeria time, with Nigeria aiming to secure qualification for the last 16 with a game to spare.
Naija News reports that the Super Eagles began their AFCON campaign on a positive note by edging past Tanzania, while Tunisia currently sit top of the group after a commanding 3-0 win over Uganda.
The result means both sides go into the match knowing that victory would all but guarantee progress. A win for Nigeria will be a huge payback against a Tunisian side who knocked out the Super Eagles in the AFCON 2021 round of 16.
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AFCON 2025: Chelle makes two changes for Super Eagles vs Tunisia
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has made two changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s clash with Tunisia.
Chelle has altered his formation from 4-4-2 to 4-4-3.
As expected, Stanley Nwabali retains his position in goal.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey all kept their places at the back, with Bruno Onyemaechi replacing Zaidu Sanusi at right-back.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi will line up in midfield.
Victor Osimhen will be supported upfront by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
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EPL: Wirtz gets his first goal as Liverpool beat Wolves
Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal as they held out to beat Wolves on an emotional afternoon at Anfield as Diogo Jota was remembered by both sets of fans.
Arne Slot’s side scored twice in two minutes through Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz in the first half and though Wolves pulled one back through Santiago Bueno, Liverpool made it three Premier League wins in a row. Wolves remain winless in the top flight this season.
Dinis and Duarte, Jota’s sons, were mascots for the game and came out on to the pitch alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Jota, who played for Liverpool and Wolves, during his time in England, was remembered again when both sets of fans sang his song in the 20th minute. Liverpool retired his shirt number ’20’ following his death in a car crash in July.
Rob Edwards’ Wolves held firm for most of the first half until Gravenberch broke the deadlock in the 41st minute as he finished from Jeremie Frimpong’s ball.
A minute later, Wirtz got on the end of Hugo Ektike’s delivery and slotted past Jose Sa to double Liverpool’s lead.
The visitors had a glimmer of hope six minutes into the second half, as Bueno scored the rebound after Alisson saved Tolu Arokodare’s header from a Wolves corner.
Edwards made three changes just after the hour mark as his side hunted for an equaliser and they came close when Arokodare headed over but Liverpool held firm to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions.
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Nigeria Vs Tunisia Live Blogging – AFCON 2025 Group C Matchday 2
Completesports.com’s live blogging of the AFCON 2025 Group C Matchday 2 game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the Fez Stadium in Fes, Morocco. By James Agberebi, at Complexe Sportif de Fez
The post Nigeria Vs Tunisia Live Blogging – AFCON 2025 Group C Matchday 2 appeared first on Complete Sports.
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AFCON 2025: “Raise Your Standards” – Captain Ndidi Urges his Teammates
Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi has challenged Nigeria to build on their opening victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting there is still room for improvement ahead of the crucial Group C encounter against Tunisia.
The newly elected captain says lessons from Tanzania win must fuel improvement as Nigeria targets momentum at AFCON 2025 as they seek to claim automatic Round of 16 ticket in their second group game.
Speaking from the team’s camp base in Fez, Morocco, Ndidi stated that while the 2–1 win over Tanzania delivered the most important three points outcome, the performance also provided valuable lessons the team must address before their next fixture.
“The First Game Is About Momentum” – Ndidi
Reflecting on Nigeria’s tournament opener, Ndidi said the importance of Tanzani’s game is that it was more of a foundation match, not the finished product.
“We’re actually training for that. We have to learn from the Tanzanian game, going into the Tunisian game.”
“The first game of a tournament is always like getting momentum, but there’s always room for improvement.”
The Super Eagles took the lead through Semi Ajayi, were briefly pegged back by Tanzania, and then reclaimed control through Ademola Lookman’s quick response.
While pleased with the result, Ndidi made it clear the team must now elevate their overall performance.

Three Points Secured, Focus Shifts Forward
Ndidi emphasized that securing maximum points in the opening match was critical to Nigeria’s ambitions in the competition, providing a platform to grow in confidence and cohesion.
“I would say the most important thing, we got three points, which is mostly important.”
“We’ll just try and get back to seeing things we needed to improve on and look forward to the next one.”
With the pressure of the first game behind them, the captain believes the Super Eagles can now approach the Tunisia clash with greater clarity and belief.
Read More: FINALLY: Promises Kept on the Eve of Battle as Super Eagles Receive National Honours, Houses and Land
Read More: “We Are Ready”: Dele-Bashiru Confident Super Eagles Can Overcome Tunisia Test
Read More: AFCON 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Morocco 2025
Preparation Intensifies in Fez
Nigeria have remained in Fez since their opening fixture, using the stability of their camp base to fine-tune tactical details and recovery routines.
The focus, according to Ndidi, is on correcting lapses observed against Tanzania and raising both performance levels and confidence.
Tunisia, one of Africa’s most experienced tournament sides, present a sterner test, one that could significantly shape the group standings race.
As the Super Eagles continue preparations, Ndidi said winning is essential, but growth is non-negotiable as Nigeria now turn their attention fully to Tunisia, aiming a back-to-back win at AFCON 2025.
With momentum established and lessons identified, Nigeria now turn their attention fully to Tunisia, aiming not just for another result, but a performance that reflects their ambition at AFCON 2025.
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Chelsea vs Aston Villa – Premier League LIVE: Latest score and updates as Joao Pedro opens the scoring from Reece James corner after dominant first half display

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Aston Villa travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Premier League, with Oliver Holt and Kieran Gill reporting from the grounds.
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Chelsea vs Aston Villa – Premier League LIVE: Latest score and updates as Joao Pedro opens the scoring from Reece James corner after dominant first half display
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Victor Boniface Weighs Surgery Option As Knee Problem Threatens Werder Bremen Loan
Victor Boniface is facing a difficult call over his immediate future after medical advice in Germany pointed firmly towards surgery as the best solution to his ongoing knee trouble.
Reports from Bild indicate that doctors in Leverkusen believe an operation may now be unavoidable for the Super Eagles striker, who remains on the books of Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to return to the club by the summer of 2026.
The option of surgery was first raised back in August, but the 25-year-old decided against going under the knife at the time. Since then, the problem has persisted, prompting renewed concern from medical staff and club officials.
Choosing surgery at this stage would almost certainly rule Boniface out for the rest of the season and could mean his loan spell at Werder Bremen has already come to an end. He joined Die Grün-Weißen late in the summer transfer window but has struggled for rhythm and continuity.
Despite the immediate setback, an operation is viewed as a possible long-term fix to an issue that has followed Boniface for much of his career. The striker has already battled through two anterior cruciate ligament injuries, making the decision an especially sensitive one.
Both clubs are said to be keen on a united approach. Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes and Werder Bremen’s head of professional football Clemens Fritz are reportedly in discussions aimed at agreeing the best path forward for the player.
Ultimately, the final say belongs to Boniface himself. His numbers in Bremen tell a frustrating story, with no goals in 11 appearances and only two starts. That return stands in sharp contrast to his time at Leverkusen, where he scored 22 goals across two Bundesliga seasons between 2023 and 2025.
According to Deichstube, Boniface must now decide whether to opt for surgery or attempt to manage the pain and play on until the end of the campaign.
Werder Bremen have already been in contact with Bayer Leverkusen about the possibility of cutting the loan short, with clarity expected once the striker reaches a decision.
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AFCON 2025: Live Updates from Nigeria vs Tunisia clash
Nigeria’s second game at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will see them take on Tunisia on Saturday night.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Eric Chelle’s men will now be eyeing early qualification for the Round of 16 with another win over the Carthage Eagles.
The North Africans themselves thrashed Uganda 3–0 in their opening fixture and will be keen to take control of Group C.
Kick-off is at 9 pm WAT at the Fez Stadium in Fes, Morocco.
DAILY POST will bring you live updates from Nigeria’s match against Tunisia.
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“We Are Ready”: Dele-Bashiru Confident Super Eagles Can Overcome Tunisia Test
Ahead of Nigeria’s next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group C fixture, Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has acknowledged the scale of the challenge posed by Tunisia, but remains confident the team has what it takes to emerge victorious.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, the midfieler admits tough challenge ahead but insists Nigeria have the quality, preparation and belief to secure victory
Dele-Bashiru revealed that the Super Eagles coaching crew and players have already begun detailed analysis of the North African side, stressing that preparation and collective focus will be key on matchday.
Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania delivered early momentum, but both players and coaches have been clear that improvement is still required.
The Lazio player Dele-Bashiru’s message is coming from the camp that success at AFCON depends on constant evaluation, discipline, and collective responsibility.
“Tunisia Are a Very Good Side” – Dele-Bashiru
Dele-Bashiru did not downplay the quality of Nigeria’s next opponents, describing Tunisia as a strong and organised team capable of making the contest difficult.
“Tunisia are a very good side, but we will analyse them very well and we will be ready for them.”
“I think we should expect, of course, a difficult match, but I think we have enough to get the victory.”
The midfielder’s confidence hinted the growing belief within the Super Eagles camp following their opening-day win against Tanzania, which put Nigeria in a strong position early in the group.

Team Meeting Planned as Eagles Review Tanzania Win
Beyond studying Tunisia, Dele-Bashiru disclosed that the Super Eagles will also conduct an internal review of their own performance against Tanzania, identifying areas for improvement and strengths to build upon.
“We’ll have a team meeting about this match. We’ll analyse Tunisia,” Dele-Bashiru said.
“We’ll analyse what we did well and what we didn’t do well.”
The process, according to the midfielder, is aimed at ensuring the team raises its level in all departments as the tournament progresses.
With Tunisia representing one of the most experienced sides in African football, the Super Eagles know that execution, concentration and adaptability will be crucial.
Eyes on AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Automatic Slot
As preparations intensify, Dele-Bashiru is optimistic about the mood in the Nigerian camp: respectful of the opposition, realistic about the challenge, but confident in the squad’s ability to deliver.
For the Super Eagles, the clash with Tunisiais is also an opportunity to confirm their credentials, Automaticallt qualify for the tournamnet’s Round of 16, take another decisive step toward continental glory at AFCON 2025.
